European Social Fund: participant guidance

SCQF Levels

Higher Education

SVQs/MAs

ISCED Levels

Definitions of UNESCO

12

Doctorate

Professional Apprenticeship

Level 8

Doctoral or equivalent are designed primarily to lead to an advanced research qualification.  Programmes at this level are devoted to advanced study and original research and typically offered only by research-orientated tertiary educational institutions such as universities. 

11

Masters Degree

Professional Apprenticeship SVQ 5

Level 7

Masters or equivalent are designed to provide participants with advanced academic and/or professional knowledge, skills and competencies, leading to a second degree or equivalent qualification. 

10

Honours Degree

Professional Apprenticeship

Level 6

Bachelor or equivalent are often designed to provide participants with intermediate academic and/or professional knowledge, skills and competencies, leading to a first degree or equivalent qualification.  Traditionally offered by universities and equivalent tertiary educational institutions.

9

Ordinary Degree

Technical Apprenticeship SVQ 4

8

HND

Technical Apprenticeship SVQ 4

Level 5

Short cycle education programmes are often designed to provide participants with professional knowledge, skills and competencies. Typically these are practically based, occupationally specific and prepare students to enter the labour market. However programmes may also provide a pathway to other tertiary education programmes. Programmes at this level have more complex content than programmes at ISCED L3 & 4, but they are shorter and usually less theoretically orientated than ISCED L6 programmes.

SCQF Levels

National Courses

SVQs/MAs

ISCED Levels

Definitions of UNESCO

N/A

N/A

N/A

Level 4

Post-secondary non-tertiary education provides learning experiences building on secondary education and preparing for labour market entry as well as tertiary education. It aims at the individual acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies below the high level of complexity characteristic of tertiary education. Programmes at this level are typically designed to provide individuals who complete ISCED L3 with non-tertiary qualifications that they require for progression to tertiary education or for employment when their ISCED L3 qualification does not grant such access.

7

New Advanced Higher

Advanced Higher

Scottish Baccalaureates

N/A

Level 3

Upper secondary education programmes are typically designed to complete secondary education in preparation for tertiary education, or to provide skills relevant to employment or both. Programmes at this level are more varied, specialised and in-depth instruction than programmes at ISCED Level 2. They are more differentiated, with an increased range of options and streams available.

6

New HigherHigher

Skills for Work Higher

Modern Apprenticeship SVQ 3

5

National 5

(Intermediate 2)

Skills for Work National 5

(Credit Standard Grade)

Modern Apprenticeship SVQ 2

4

National 4

(Intermediate 1)

Skills for Work National 4

(General Standard Grade)

SVQ 1

Level 2

Lower secondary education programmes typically designed to build upon learning outcomes from ISCED L1. Usually the educational aim is to lay the foundation for lifelong learning & human development on which education systems may systematically expand further educational opportunities.